What helps establish an informant's credibility?

• A. Identifying the informant, safety, past knowledge, declarations against penal interests, and past true information.
• B. The informant's handwriting.
• C. The informant's social media presence.
• D. The informant's favorite color.

Answer: (A)

Credibility of an informant rests on reliability shown over time through verifiable details and a willingness to share truth, even at personal risk. Verifying the informant’s identity ensures the information comes from the right person and isn’t someone posing as a source. The informant’s safety matters because when a source can operate without fear of retaliation, it supports the idea that they are being honest and cooperative. A proven track record of past knowledge—information that has proven accurate in the past—gives confidence that new information is likely trustworthy. Declarations against penal interests, where the informant discloses information that could expose them to criminal liability, are especially persuasive because such statements are unlikely to be false simply to shield someone else. Altogether, these factors build a consistent picture of trustworthiness.

Handwriting, social media presence, or personal characteristics like favorite color don’t provide meaningful evidence about whether the informant has been truthful or accurate in the past, so they don’t help establish credibility.